EXCITED royal fans waited for up to five hours to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they visited Barnsley this week.
The royal couple prepared lunch on Wednesday for young people who have been helped by the homelessness charity Centrepoint, of which Prince William has been patron since 2005.
Dozens gathered outside the charity on Smithies Lane to greet them, with some waiting for up to five hours.
Monk Bretton mum Kim Hesford, 35, and son Hudson, two, greeted the royal couple with a bouquet of flowers.
“This sort of thing just doesn’t happen in Barnsley,” she said. “I just wanted Hudson to see a real princess.”
Another young royal fan, four-year-old Evie who attends nearby Burton Road Primary, said: “I want to tell everyone at school that I saw the real prince and princess.”
Centrepoint, which opened its Barnsley branch last year, provides accommodation, health support and life skills to get young homeless people aged between 16 and 25 back into education, training and employment.
During the visit, Kate sliced bread and Prince William prepared the soup before sitting down to eat and chat with some of the youngsters that the charity has helped.
Chelsea Jenkins, 23, one of the charity’s service users, said meeting Prince William and Kate was amazing.
“It was a really amazing experienced. They were both lovely and very understanding.
“They even gave me a hug. I can’t believe that I have had the chance to speak and meet them.”
The couple also officially opened the new learning centre which is situated in the grounds.
The Andy Norman Learning Hub will provide a dedicated space for young people at risk of homelessness to learn and increase their own independence.
The hub is available not just to Centrepoint residents but also to young people who are at risk of homelessness in Barnsley.
The hub is named after Andy Norman who was a dedicated member of the Centrepoint team in Barnsley, who died last year.
The Duke and Duchess met Andy’s sons Ben and Will, before the Duke officially opened the hub.
Symon Elliot, chairman of Centrepoint, said: “Today has been absolutely extraordinary. There has been a great show of support and it’s been incredible to connect with these young people.
“I hope that that charity can continue to make these young people’s lives easier through our work and commitment.”
Martin Gill, Centrepoint director of housing and support, said: “The visit has been wonderful. It’s great to see the turnout of people and it’s fantastic that the Duke and Duchess got see first hand the work that we do,
“They are both lovely people and it was great that we got to showcase how far we’ve come. The centre is looking brilliant and we are all very proud. It’s been a brilliant day.”
The visit was attended by the mayor and several other members of Barnsley Council.
Diana Terris, chief executive of Barnsley Council, said she was impressed with the Duke and Duchess’ knowledge on the homeless charity.
She said: “They were both so lovely and engaged with the young people who use the charity.
“They were both very knowledgeable and relaxed. It was a pleasure to have been a part of.
“The centre has worked so hard and I think that is shown in how much it has transformed. It’s has been truly delightful.”
